Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sworn in soldiers in Medebach and explained why Germany must better protect itself.
At a solemn ceremony on the market square in Medebach in the Sauerland region, around 110 young soldiers from the 21st Armored Brigade "Lipperland" took their oath on the constitution. Chancellor Friedrich Merz gave a speech there, in which he said that the world has become more insecure. He spoke about Russia's war in Europe and about attacks on computers, power grids, and elections in Germany.
His message: Germany must be able to defend itself better. "Wir wollen uns verteidigen können, damit wir uns nicht verteidigen müssen. Wir nennen das Abschreckung," he said. That means: Anyone who looks strong enough will ideally not be attacked in the first place.
There are already concrete plans to expand the Bundeswehr. The new military service is intended to bring more young people into the Bundeswehr, the number of reservists is being increased, and new equipment is being procured. Merz also said that the arms industry in Germany is producing more again. This is intended to make the Bundeswehr stronger in the coming years, so that Germany can protect itself and its allies. "Der Motor unserer Verteidigungsindustrie ist wieder angesprungen," the Chancellor said.